Skip to main content

Did I Retreat or Advance?


I’ve been feeling the tug in my spirit for days. I yearned to be alone with Him. Every once in a while I get that way. Where would I go to draw away with my Lord? A storm moved in and covered the surrounding mountains with snow. Even if I had the money to drive to another town and find a hotel, it would not be safe weather-wise. But God helped me. He must have wanted to be with me as much as I longed to be with Him. When I got home from work on Monday night, it was stormy, cold and my phone was dead. No computer. The Qwest repairman would not come until the next afternoon. A quiet Tuesday was handed to me on a platter. Even Baby, my screeching cocktail shut up. I cooked no meals and the housework was minimal. Silence…and Jesus.

It’s so wonderful to pray without interruption in complete silence in the comfort of my home. I listened for the Lord’s direction. I studied Exodus 17 and focused on Moses interceding in the battle against the Amelikites with his hands supported high. God gave him the victory against those descendants of fleshy Esau. Moses built an altar to God thanking Him and honoring Him for this victory. We know the Lord here as Jehovah Nissi, our banner. In days of war, the banner called the people together for battle. Actually it was a pole that glistened and it meant “rally to God.”

Yesterday, I was reminded that I have victory over my flesh. It’s there for the taking. I heard a word as I prayed…”Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” I yearn to draw away with Him more often. I enjoy the peace and quiet. This could be as addicting as blogging on my computer.

Rallying to God: think of how wonderful it sounds!

Comments

  1. Heart2HeartFebruary 24, 2010 at 3:23 PM

    This is so beautiful that God in all His infinite wisdom has a plan to satisfy that which you need and desire. What a great way to view it as well.

    Some might see this as an inconvenience and you see it as a blessing!

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

    ReplyDelete
  2. DeniseFebruary 24, 2010 at 4:08 PM

    Bless your beautiful heart.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageFebruary 24, 2010 at 4:15 PM

    Hi Mary,
    I love it when one can see a blessing in an otherwise inconvenient situation! God wanted to meet with you as badly as you wanted to meet with Him! You are loved and His beloved! Have a lovely evening.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mevely317February 24, 2010 at 6:32 PM

    What a beautiful coincidence!

    ReplyDelete
  5. CathyFebruary 24, 2010 at 7:55 PM

    Thanks for the reminder of what I need to do. Blessings ~

    ReplyDelete
  6. JackieFebruary 24, 2010 at 11:26 PM

    What a beautiful, precious "retreat" with the Lord!

    Your special time with Him made my heart yearn for a set apart time with Him as well. I believe your words are confirming what the Spirit is speaking to my heart..........put "things" on hold and steal away with Him!

    Thanks for spurring me on dear friend!!

    Sweet Blessings!
    Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  7. christy roseFebruary 24, 2010 at 11:46 PM

    Yes it is true! His presence is very addictive! I think that is the only good addiction though! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. AlleluiabelleFebruary 25, 2010 at 6:58 PM

    Hi Sweet Smiling Friend,

    This is such a refreshing post for me to read. We all need that special time with the Lord...every single day. I've backed away from my computer many times due to having that alone time with Him as He always comes first doesn't He?

    I love you my special friend. You always bring joy and a smile to my heart.

    My prayers are always being said for you and your precious family.

    Big Hugs,
    Alleluiabelle

    ReplyDelete
  9. RCUBEsFebruary 25, 2010 at 11:50 PM

    "This could be as addicting as blogging on my computer." That's the only addiction that I would be your no.1 supporter!

    Amen to this post sister Mary. Take good care of yourself and have a great weekend. God bless and love to you.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Veteran's Story

  I noticed Bill sitting in our local park where I walk.   He glanced my way just as I finished the last exercise walk song on my playlist.   He shouted and pointed to my car:   “Hey, is that your car with the Nam front license plate?   I stepped closer into the veranda where Bill sat on a picnic bench.   I noticed his Vietnam Vet cap and instantly I knew why I walked there that day.   The Marine Vet served during the 1960’s, the same time span as my husband.   Bill talked a lot about the war evoking my emotions from laughter to tears.   My South Vietnam front plate often prompts a conversation with a stranger and I’ve learned a deep respect for it over the years.   It is my way of listening to a veteran.   I enjoyed listening to Bill.   He made me laugh in spots but he made me cry as well.   Like when he talked about the sandwich lady.   “Do you ever eat at the sandwich shop in the gas station down the street...
26 comments
Read more

Lunch With the Girls on Gurley Street

While vacuuming a few days ago, I had a conversation with myself wondering if I should delete my blog. It was just a stray thought that came into my head while I was on a self pity trip. When life gets hard, I don’t always feel like rejoicing and with a blog dedicated to smiling in life, well it is just too much pressure! Then something wonderful happened. I am smiling again and can’t wait to write about it! Two precious sisters-in-Christ, amazing Arizona bloggers from the valley, drove up north and offered mega doses of encouragement. Today I would like to feature the wonderful afternoon I spent in Prescott with Debbie from Heart Choices and Kathleen from Sassy Granny. Debbie and I met last year at a blogger luncheon, so I knew this charming lady would have us laughing with her friendly ease. She is beautiful inside and out and oh, what a heart of love this gal has! It was such a blessing to meet Kathleen in person after following her blog this past year. I was su...
23 comments
Read more

A Memorial Day Reflection

  Memorial Day is always noteworthy for me and my girls.  Next Thursday marks the third year of missing their father, my husband. So many thoughts  run through my mind.  The journey of loss takes on various emotions.  The strongest feeling, at first, was emptiness.  In a split second, I would forget he departed forever.  I imagined things I needed to talk to him about when he got back home.  My mind is realistic now.  He's not coming back.  There will be no more times of sitting on the porch swing together on the front deck staring at the moon and the stars.  He would tell me all he knew about the majestic night sky. I have so much I wish I could tell him, like the excitement of seeing our oldest grandchild make a decision to follow Jesus and get baptized on Mother's Day!  And our little Amy, 11 years old, I wish he could have seen her on stage receiving her induction to the National Honor Society. Our daughters have their own ...
21 comments
Read more